Defensive and pitching miscues by Purdue University and some timely hitting by the Ball State University offense delivered the fourth win in a row for the Cardinals in a 3-2 victory over the Boilermakers.-á
Down 2-0 in the top of the seventh inning, the Cardinals (11-11) evened the score with two runs. Left fielder Chris Pestle doubled to score designated hitter Justin Rogers, and Pestle later scored on a wild pitch thrown by Purdue reliever Trae Dauby during shortstop Eric Earnhart's at-bat.-á
"The key to any comeback victory, especially when you're able to do it repeatedly, is confidence - the fact that the players have confidence in themselves and their teammates," coach Greg Beals said.
With the score tied in the top of the eighth, Brad Miller and Kyle Dygert singled, and Matt Gard reached first base on a throwing error when attempting a sacrifice bunt to load the bases. The Cardinals scored the game-winning run when Justin Rogers walked, scoring Miller.-á
"I wouldn't say we're out of the water [offensively]," Beals said. "I don't feel like the bats are up and running full blast, but we got nine hits, we battled, and we were able to get some late inning runs to pull out the game today."-á
Miller led the Cardinals offensively, going 3-for-5, and extending his hitting streak to four.-á
"Lately we've been getting some key hits in some key situations and we're the type of team that can do that," Miller said.
Ball State fell behind 2-0 in the third inning, when with the bases loaded, Purdue's Eric Wolfe scored on John Hunter's single. Two batters later, shortstop Mitch Hilligoss scored when right fielder Neal Gorka was hit by a pitch.-á
Four pitchers took the mound for the Cardinals. Freshman Ryan Schmidt started for the third time, allowing two runs on six hits in three innings, but striking out five. Reliever Kory Bucklew also took the mound for three innings, picking up the win, his second of the season.
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